It’s football season.

There’s a restlessness throughout the student body as all look forward to knocking back a few cold ones, thieving Cane’s chicken tenders from strangers’ tailgates and cheering the Tigers on to victory.

Only one question remains: What to wear?

Because let’s face it – the Natty goes down smoother, the stolen chicken tastes crispier and the victory is sweeter if you look like a million bucks.

Here’s the rundown on some please do’s and some absolutely don’ts to sport on the runway that is LSU’s campus this time of year.

DO: Show school spirit! Rep that Tiger Pride from top to bottom. Enthusiasm for your favorite team is always in vogue. Rustle through your closet for any purple and gold pieces, and if you come up empty handed, you’ve clearly been doing it wrong. Got some leftover purple and gold beads you “earned” on Fat Tuesday? Up-cycle those bad boys. Feather boa? Go for it. Amp up your outfit with some temporary face tattoos or furry tiger ears.

DON’T: Get too crazy. But slow your roll, less is more. Over-enthusiasm can make for a fashion faux-paw. Definite no’s include shirtlessness, body paint and those weird ski hats with fake purple and gold hair cascading like a waterfall from the top. Also avoid getting the letters “LSU” shaved into the sides of your fresh haircut. We get it, you love your team! Just keep it at a normal level.  

DO: Dress smart. Louisiana weather makes very little logical sense to the non-native, or anyone for that matter. The seasons rarely correlate with the weather conditions, so dress appropriately – layer it up! Plan ahead. Your legs might look super skinny in your new Jeffrey Campbells, but even if you can ignore the blisters, your ankles won’t be performing too well after you downed that daiquiri. On that note, dress for your drunken-ness level. Heels may not be the best idea, but shorts would be prudent for those who wish to avoid arrest for public indecency.

DON’T: get sloppy. There’s nothing fashionable about lying face down on the sidewalk frantically trying to gather up any remaining shreds of your dignity. Got all that? 

DO: Show some originality. Fashion should be fun; use it to express yourself! Find pieces that both fit your sense of style and show team spirit.

DON’T: disappear into the crowd. Oh, I see you’re sporting a one-sleeve ruffle dress with cowboy boots. I’ve only seen that combo, oh, I don’t know, about a billion times too many. Leave cloning to the scientists at NASA or wherever (look, I never said I was an expert on anything but fashion) and wear something in which you’re comfortable. But hey, if that one-shoulder ruffle dress and cowboy boot ensemble just screams “You!” then who am I to judge?

You’re an LSU Tiger. You’re already winning at life. Just go ahead and take it one step further this football/fashion season. Because you’re worth it. And when in doubt, just remember to never, ever, make the mistake of wearing red and white lest you be accused of blasphemy.